-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Former Wales rugby captain Gareth Thomas has spoken of his relief at finally making public the fact he is gay -- and now wants to become a role model for gay people in sport .

Speaking to British news channel ITN , Thomas revealed why it has taken him so long to speak openly about his sexuality .

`` Every gay man will tell you that ` coming out ' is like a weight lifted from your shoulders and beng able to walk down the street knowing that there is nothing for me to hide has been a liberating experience , '' admitted Thomas -- the most capped player in Wales history with 100 appearances for his country .

`` I knew I was gay at 18 , but to come out then would have meant I would not have achieved what I did in rugby . I loved rugby so much and it was so important to me that I made the decision to keep my sexuality secret . People may disagree with that , but it was my belief and my decision .

`` Since my announcement I have had an amazing response and have not had one negative comment or any abuse . I think it proves there is a place for gay men in every walk of life .

`` Gay men are accepted in films , music and politics because people came out and broke the mould and stereotype in those industries .

`` What I am trying to do is break the trend in rugby and sport in general and show any aspiring sportsman , regardless of his age , that the mould has been broken .

`` It is not an issue if a straight man plays rugby -- and I hope my decision will ensure it is not an issue if a gay man plays rugby . ''

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Former Wales rugby captain Gareth Thomas has spoken of his relief at making public the fact he is gay

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The 35-year-old Thomas now wants to become a role model for gay people in general

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Thomas is the most capped player n Wales rugby history with 100 appearances for his country